"Bro, who are we playing against tomorrow?" Kevin asked.
"Phoenix United," I replied, tugging my jersey over my head in the locker room.
Jake smirked, squeezing my bicep. "Rens, have you been sleeping at the gym? You've gotten huge."
I ignored him, .
"Why do we need to see those cheerleaders anyway? Is it necessary?" I muttered.
Kevin's grin widened. "Are you allergic to women? Or just gay?"
Jake added, "Yeah, sounds kinda sus, captain."
I snapped my head up. "No, I'm not. And I'm your captain. Show some respect."
Kevin saluted. "Yes, Mr. Holloway, sir. Is this enough respect?"
"Teasing me, huh?" I shot back.
"Not teasing," Joel said in. "Praising."
Idiots. All of them.
The coach's voice echoed from down the hall. "Keiren, take them to the women's changing room. They're here."
I dragged my teammates with me, irritation simmering under my skin—until I saw her.
She wasn't the tallest or the loudest. But she caught my eye instantly.
Short. Fair. Soft curves she probably hated. Big, pure eyes that looked straight through me. Lips—God. No words.
I froze.
"Ahem," Jake whispered in my ear, smirking. "Respected captain, introduce yourself."
I ignored him, but my hand went up anyway, almost without any thought.
"I'm Keiren Jace Holloway," I said, my voice rougher than I thought it would be .
She took my hand, smiling shyly. "Hi. I'm Aurora Rae Kingsley."
Aurora. The name suited her. Soft. Bright. Impossible to forget.
"Kingsley?" I asked. "Are you related to our boss?"
"Yes." She nodded once. "I'm his daughter. The next heir."
Oh.
The room shifted instantly. Every one of my teammates bowed.
"Nice to meet you, ma'am," they chorused.
She smiled, and for a moment, I forgot she was my boss's daughter. She was just… Aurora.
But I reminded myself quickly: Not my type. Definitely not my type.
"Boys, time for practice," our coach barked.
"Girls, you can leave too," their teacher added.
And just like that, Aurora walked out with her friends, leaving me standing there, pretending I hadn't just been shaken by a girl I should never want.
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